Engineering pre-vascularized tissue construct by encapsulation of co-cultured stem cell spheroids with endothelial cells within GelMA hydrogels
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Encapsulation of co-cultured spheroids consisting of endothelial cells and stem cells in hydrogels has been studied for engineering a vascularized tissues because of their biocompatibility and similarity to natural ECM. However, the optimal ratio of co-cultured cell populations and the mechanical properties of the hydrogels for cell sprouting, and ECM remodeling under a 3D microenvironment have been rarely studied. In this study, the cellular behavior of spheroids within GelMA hydrogels was investigated to find the optimal 3D microenvironment for vascularized tissue engineering. We varied the co-culture ratio by adjusting the number of co-cultured cells for spheroid formation, and the mechanical properties of the hydrogels by various UV exposure times. We transplanted the constructs into a subcutaneous mouse model. Consequently, we observed the integration of the engineered capillaries with the host vessels, exhibiting a harmonious symbiosis facilitated by the optimized culture conditions.